Wichita eagle., 1887-10-19

as there anything more to eat in your
bundle, ma mere!" he asked insinuatingly.
"Ah, no." replied Mere Goubet; "wishest
thou to see what is theres" She put the
bundle on the low wall and opened it. There
were to be seen top, whip, pair of sabots
and some worsted stockings-nothing more.
my boy is a little delicate, you see; he must
not go barefoot like thee" Pierre eyed the
top and whip greedily Mere Goubet tied up
the bundle. go, then; they are not for thee,
little one. They belong to my little son; we
will find him, and thou and he shall play to
gether so happily"
"What is your sons namef asked Pierre,
| who on account of the toys now began to re-
| aliZe the existence of this little boy.
"His name is Jean; he is of thy age, but he
| is not at all like thee"
"Where are we going to find him4"
ITO the hills yonder," and she pointed to
the distance aud then relapsed into silence,
from which the voice of Pierre reused her.
Il am hungry, ma mere"
"Ah, it is true; forget; but what am 1 to
do! l have not a sou, and thou hast not
dined, poor child"
"Are you not, then, hungry also!"
mo, no; me, eat nothing till l find my
little one Then l shall eat" Pierre was
cute in his own way. He perceived it was
necessary he should act for himself. They
had but just left the village. He proposed
they should 60 back and ask for food at the
nearest house. Mere Goubet consented. He
ran i'll 'front.' and took the business in charge.
The first house was a cafe; but fat man in
a blue blouse sent him off with gesture as
of kicking. The woman next door, however,
called him back, gave him some hot coffee
and some bread, and, looking out at the
strange woman in the road, said, THY
mother, she looks quite fatigued; do you
think she would like some coffeeP
"For her she eats not till she sees her little
boy" replied Pierre, seriously.
what sayest thou. But that is folly" and
she went out and made Mere Goubet drink
cup of coffee. She shook her head when she
returned.
There is something wrong there" said
she, "but know not what"
On they tramped. II am cold,r said
Pierre Mere Goubert took off her cloak and
wrapped it round him.
Where shall we sleepf' asked Pierre
''See,n said Mere Goubert, 'here is hay
stack. Thou shalt creep into a little hole and
sleep"
This was done, and Pierre slept till morn
ing. He was awakened by Mere Goubet, who |
was shaking him She looked as those dc |
who have had no sleep. Her eyes were wild |
and bright, and her hands burning. Come, |
If are TO reach the hills tonight it is neces-
sary that we start
That day passed much as the last. A crock /
cry merchant travelling with q van gave /
them half his dinner. He looked at Mere
Goubet sharply, and then turned to little /
Pierre and touched his forehead meaningly:
but the boy did not understand
The roal now began To ascend Night be
gan to fall once more Pierres spirits had
been sinking very low. He was worn cut
with fatigue and hunger. Mere Gou5ee
seemed to feel neither. She was very kind 10
him, but there was a strangeness that op-
pressed him; he began to weep
Why weepest thou, my chiidr
Shall we never find your little boy, 50 that
we may have food and get warrnE'
But we 60 TO find him certainly. Did not
tell thee that up there, where the hill touches
the heaven, there we shall find himE-
@Why did your little boy go awayF
"How can l sayi II was the good God
doubtless that took him he was my only
one; alb, yes, my only onei had three, and
be was the youngest. and the others were
sone.H
''where did they gof'
They are dead, and also my husband, but
Iaat i long go, and they ~ that my liEx3s